Just about 4 months ago I embarked on a journey to improve myself. After celebrating my wife's birthday, I realized that I had fallen into the trap of complancency. As with many other days in the previous eight to ten years I stepped on the scale and weighed in at 240 something. Nothing really unusual about that as I had been bouncing between 242 and 247 for nearly 6 years. This day was different, as a thought jumped to the front of my consciousness. I was going to be 46 in less than 6 months and did I want to be 270 lbs or 200lbs and what was I going to do about it, either way? Continuing as I was without making any effort was gonna get me to the 270 lb mark in the near future...a scary thought in and of itself! The alternative was a change of my thought process, a dedication to making it happen and the effort to follow through with it all. The biggest question, which way was I gonna go? I have spoken about the 21 day fast that started it all, the committment and dedication, the effort and accountability that cemented in the fact that God has given me the ability to make my decisions, create my reality and live my life in a way that I can be proud.
The amount of discipline and self-restraint involved with making the effort to lose weight and stick to a chosen path is unique to each individual who undertakes such a venture. I have heard over and over again from women, that it is easy for men to lose weight. Let me tell you, there is NOTHING easy about it. Unless, you consider not eating any meats, dairy or carbohydrates for 21 days (two separate times), the following it up with 14 weeks of 6am wake up calls, 5 miles and 900 calorie workouts EVERY Monday through Friday without missing a day, fasting at least one day a week...just water or juice (not to mention one stretch of 90 hrs). If you think that is easy then I guess it would be easy for you. For me, it was a constant, daily battle to make decisions that would further my progress and strengthen my resolve.
My goal is to lose 50 pounds total, I was at 47 pounds earlier last week, but finished the week at minus 45 pounds...still have 5 to go. I will get there, just didn't accomplish it by Mother's Day. The nice thing is my wife is still thrilled with the new me and God isn't done yet! I am a work in progress and will continue to make those choices that bring me closer to God and create the me that I see in my mind, creating the reality that I believe in my heart. I am blessed so that I may be a blessing in all that I do. Thank you God for allowing me the opportunity to make a positive impact.
That's what was on my mind this morning...oh yeah and meat! just finished my second 21 day fast and I really am looking forward to a steak tonight! Have a great day and a better week...
Monday, May 11, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
Going to Extremes
As I head into the last 6 days of I'm down ten pounds and more importantly God is helping me find my clarity and focus. The determination and commitment to improving myself both physically and spiritually has brought about multiple layers of self awareness and new reserviors of strength to draw upon. Knowing that God is the source of all of my strength and the source of power for me to recharge is a huge advantage in conquering those challenges we are each faced with daily.
Currently, I am on a journey to A) Find my relationship and path with God, to make him my focus B) to lose 50 lbs from my starting weight of 245 lbs, by changing my eating habits and exercising at least 5 times a week. (initially my goal was to be accomplished by my birthday on June 9th which would have given me 5 months...now the time schedule has been moved up to Mother's Day, May 10th, 4 months!) C) to change my outward image and internal perspective on how I live my life daily.
Three worthy and worthwhile goals. Each requiring me to reflect upon myself and my actions, my decisions and continually take stock in where I am at and where I am headed. When combined as a trio these three create a foundation for me to build upon.
Now for the extreme! With only six days to go til Mother's Day I am eight pounds away from my goal weight. Yesterday, I decided it was time to make the sacrifice and commitment to make the final push and attain my goal of presenting my wife with a 50lb lighter husband for Mother's Day! Maybe not the most romantic gift, but one of extreme dedication and devotion to the one I love, the Mother of my children. As of midnight Saturday, I have only had water, juice and broth and plan on 3 days of serious fasting. *If you haven't read the disclaimer and warning in the previous post, please do so now! I know that God is making me better each day and giving me the energy and strength to make those choices which will help me to find my way.
Last week as I was working and praying for revenue streams to be created and sources of income to come into my life, I found myself confronted with an internal conflict I have been battling with for months now. The paradox of God & Self. If God is in my heart and I am working to build a strong relationship with God and Jesus as my focus, to become a humble servant and tool for building God's kingdom. If God is in me and Self is in me, then God = Self. Therefore, there can be NO "self-doubt", "self -sabotage", "negative self-image", because God is a loving, caring, compassionate God, provider, healer, teacher. With that realization, my breakthrough into the light and freedom of letting go of the negativity inside me was breath taking! Thank you God for allowing me on this journey to find my way into the light and become the man of God you knew I could be. No more negative "self" can live within me as GOD fills the darkness with light and hope.
As a new day dawns and the light comes into the world banishing the darkness, I will go forth and conquer the challenges in front of me with a smile and a cheerful heart, joyous in my walk with God and all the goodness He brings. The credit and glory is all for God, I am building a testimony for those who are also trying to find their way! Be blessed in all you do and remember that as we are blessed we are to be a blessing to others!
That's what's on my mind today, we'll see what the day brings and what impact I can make for good.
Currently, I am on a journey to A) Find my relationship and path with God, to make him my focus B) to lose 50 lbs from my starting weight of 245 lbs, by changing my eating habits and exercising at least 5 times a week. (initially my goal was to be accomplished by my birthday on June 9th which would have given me 5 months...now the time schedule has been moved up to Mother's Day, May 10th, 4 months!) C) to change my outward image and internal perspective on how I live my life daily.
Three worthy and worthwhile goals. Each requiring me to reflect upon myself and my actions, my decisions and continually take stock in where I am at and where I am headed. When combined as a trio these three create a foundation for me to build upon.
Now for the extreme! With only six days to go til Mother's Day I am eight pounds away from my goal weight. Yesterday, I decided it was time to make the sacrifice and commitment to make the final push and attain my goal of presenting my wife with a 50lb lighter husband for Mother's Day! Maybe not the most romantic gift, but one of extreme dedication and devotion to the one I love, the Mother of my children. As of midnight Saturday, I have only had water, juice and broth and plan on 3 days of serious fasting. *If you haven't read the disclaimer and warning in the previous post, please do so now! I know that God is making me better each day and giving me the energy and strength to make those choices which will help me to find my way.
Last week as I was working and praying for revenue streams to be created and sources of income to come into my life, I found myself confronted with an internal conflict I have been battling with for months now. The paradox of God & Self. If God is in my heart and I am working to build a strong relationship with God and Jesus as my focus, to become a humble servant and tool for building God's kingdom. If God is in me and Self is in me, then God = Self. Therefore, there can be NO "self-doubt", "self -sabotage", "negative self-image", because God is a loving, caring, compassionate God, provider, healer, teacher. With that realization, my breakthrough into the light and freedom of letting go of the negativity inside me was breath taking! Thank you God for allowing me on this journey to find my way into the light and become the man of God you knew I could be. No more negative "self" can live within me as GOD fills the darkness with light and hope.
As a new day dawns and the light comes into the world banishing the darkness, I will go forth and conquer the challenges in front of me with a smile and a cheerful heart, joyous in my walk with God and all the goodness He brings. The credit and glory is all for God, I am building a testimony for those who are also trying to find their way! Be blessed in all you do and remember that as we are blessed we are to be a blessing to others!
That's what's on my mind today, we'll see what the day brings and what impact I can make for good.
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